Turmeric – Know What Herbs Do What

Turmeric, a shrub related to ginger, is grown throughout India, other parts of Asia, and Africa. Known for its warm, bitter taste, turmeric gives curry its distinctive bright yellow color. Turmeric’s finger-like underground stems (rhizomes) are peeled and dried to make a powder and are used in capsules, teas, or liquid extracts. Turmeric is also commonly used to color other food products such as mustard and cheese. It should not be confused with Javanese turmeric.

Traditionally turmeric has been used as an herbal remedy to aid digestion and liver function, relieve arthritis pain, and regulate menstruation and has been applied directly to the skin for eczema and wound healing.

Today, turmeric is used as an herbal remedy in the hope of improving conditions such as heartburn, stomach ulcers, and gallstones. Turmeric is the subject of research into whether it can help to reduce inflammation.

There is little reliable evidence to support the use of turmeric for any health condition because few clinical trials have been conducted.

Preliminary findings from animal and laboratory studies suggest that a chemical found in turmeric—called curcumin—may have anti-inflammatory and anticancer properties, but these findings have not been confirmed in people.

NCCAM-funded investigators are studying the active chemicals in turmeric and their effects—particularly anti-inflammatory effects—in people to better understand how turmeric might be used for health purposes.

Side Effects and Cautions Summary

High doses or long-term use of turmeric may cause indigestion.

In animals, high doses of turmeric have caused liver problems.

People with gallbladder disease should avoid using turmeric, as it may worsen the condition.

Tell your health care providers about any complementary and alternative practices you use. Give them a full picture of what you do to manage your health to help ensure coordinated and safe care. Complementary or alternative therapy should not be used in place of conventional medical care or to delay seeking that care.

For More Information

The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM) Clearinghouse

The NCCAM Clearinghouse provides information on CAM and NCCAM, including publications and searches of Federal databases of scientific and medical literature. The Clearinghouse does not provide medical advice, treatment recommendations, or referrals to practitioners.